Carlsbad council to select new member

Appointing replacement for Farrah Douglas chosen over special election

CARLSBAD  The Carlsbad City Council — determined to avoid a special election that could cost as much as $500,000 — said Tuesday it will appoint someone to fill the vacancy created when Councilwoman Farrah Douglas suddenly resigned last week.

Council members voted 3-1 in favor of an appointment process that is scheduled to conclude March 25.

Councilman Mark Packard said he supported making an appointment versus holding a special election, but voted “no” because he wanted a more accelerated schedule. Packard said he wanted the new member to participate in the ongoing selection of a new city manager, a process that’s expected to conclude in the next few weeks.

The rest of the council disagreed, saying it would be impossible to appoint a new member quickly enough for the person to play a key role in selecting a new city manager. They also said the selection of a new council member shouldn’t be rushed.

“I’d rather go slow and steady to make sure we select the very best,” Councilwoman Lorraine Wood said.